For anyone that is a mother they will attest to the truth that having a child is a privilege God has given us. To be trusted with the task of caring for, and providing love to our Heavenly Father’s precious little angels, is a great responsibility. That honor had been bestowed to Ellen twice previously, with this one being her third son, Clay. He was a beautiful baby boy with crystal clear blue eyes, black hair and incredibly long eyelashes. The older he got the more it seemed like angels had dotted his cheeks with their kisses. Always with a smile on his face, this little boy loved life and was a joy to be around. Clay had even become big brother to his younger twin siblings. With the innocence of childhood hugging him like a blanket, he was living large in his own little world.
For nine years Ellen enjoyed watching her son grow and learn. He experienced quite a few things at his young age. Like any other child, Clay developed friendships and once had a play “date” with one of the little girls in the neighborhood. He also experienced a trip to the police station for being in the right place at the wrong time. Then, there was one incident that particularly stuck out in Ellen’s mind, proving that his heart was full of the love that we are created in. Clay had a wonderful, generous heart and one Christmas rather than asking for presents, like all the other children, he wanted to give some clothes to a couple of friends. He told Ellen, “Mom, I just want to give them some warm clothes instead of getting everything I want.” She was completely moved by the compassion her son had displayed and couldn’t have been more proud of him.
Early Sunday morning, January 25th, 1998, Ellen’s family awoke to a brand new day, not realizing what it held in store for them. Shortly after the day had begun, it took a turn for the worse and she found herself on the way to the hospital with Clay. Preoccupied outside of the immediate situation, he stared out the window of the car. Very calmly he informed Ellen that he was going to die. Trying to reassure him that everything would be alright, she felt the tears welling up in her eyes.
It wasn’t long after they made it to the Emergency Room, she sensed Clay was actually seeing his angels coming to comfort him in a very desperate and tragic turn of events. A mere six hours after they had gotten up that morning, she had to say goodbye as her precious son flew on the wings of angels to be with his Creator, the very author of his short, young life. It is only natural to question the timing of when God calls his own home, especially when we feel it is much too soon. Unable to see the big picture, especially right away, we must always rely on the wisdom of God and the fact that each of us has a purpose in life.
After the loss of her son, Ellen grieved, but she also celebrated what time she had been able to spend with Clay. With the entire family feeling the hurt and pain, she knew as a mother that she had to be strong. Sticking to her day to day routine kept her going, along with taking care of the rest of her children. A mother’s work is never done and staying busy did not leave much time to spend on regrets.
Three years had passed since she said goodbye to her precious son, and Ellen still longed to hear his voice again. It was Mother’s Day and as she stood in the shower, the warm water streaming down her back, she desperately tried to explain to her Lord how she felt. She didn’t know if she could bear to sit through another Mother’s Day Sunday service without Clay by her side. The honor and recognition of being a mother felt somewhat hollow after her loss. It wasn’t that she discredited having her other children there, it was just that she didn’t feel complete. For a brief moment, God calmed her sobs and quieted her heart. In that moment of peace she clearly heard her son’s voice as he said to her, “Happy Mother’s Day Mom. I love you.” There was no doubt in her mind that it was Clay’s voice she heard. What an incredible gift she had received that day. Eternally grateful for God’s mercy and love, she would cherish that memory for as long as she lived.
Aware of God’s love for her, she was thankful and comforted in the knowledge that her son was in such loving care until she could be with him again for all eternity. How tender is the love of a mother and how comforting is the love of a son. Our own children are in essence on loan to us to raise, nurture and care for, as they begin their life here. Regardless of how long we have them, it is truly an honor to experience the blessing of a child.
